Diagnosed with melanoma at 18, Emma shares how it changed her life, and why sun protection is now non-negotiable.
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with skin cancer?
The summer before I started college in 2019, I made myself an appointment with a dermatologist. I was 18, and trying to be more responsible for myself, so I figured that was a good first step. I knew of melanoma, but I had plenty of other things on my mind at the time and of course I didn’t actually think I had it.
During the appointment, my dermatologist was pretty concerned over a few spots, and in particular one in the centre of my chest. Not long after the biopsies, I got a call from her saying that I needed to come in to have a talk about next steps. I remember thinking, “well, that can’t be good!”
It was melanoma, right in the centre of my chest. The next couple of months were marked by multiple surgeries to remove the melanoma, weeks of recovery in between, meetings with plastic surgeons, hospital visits, and taking college exams after check-up appointments. Talk about a memorable first semester of school, right?
How has your relationship with the sun changed over the years, and what inspired you to start using sun protection?
I am an outdoors lover at heart, and there’s nothing I love more than a sunny day spent outside. Since my diagnosis, my attitude towards sunscreen and other sun protective measures has definitely changed from something that was an afterthought to the first thing on my mind.
What does living a sun safe life mean to you, beyond just using sun protective products?
To me, living a sun safe life means prioritising my health and being conscious of how much time I spend in the sun.
It also means using my story to encourage others to get skin checks and remember to use sun protection. While it can sometimes be difficult to spend my twenties covered in sunscreen and scars, being able to use my experiences to raise awareness and help others is something I’m more than happy to do.
How has sun protection impacted your confidence or comfort when spending time outdoors?
Making sun protection a priority when spending time outdoors has made me feel so much more in control while doing the things I love. My health and my skin are so important to me, but so is doing the outdoor activities I am passionate about. Knowing that I’m doing everything I can – from reapplying sunscreen regularly and wearing UPF clothing and hats – to keep myself safe makes me feel confident while outdoors.
What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
My advice would be to make sun protection fun! Find a good sunscreen with a unique applicator or smell that you love, and implement that into your everyday routine. Seek out stylish UPF clothing (like Solbari!) that goes perfectly with your outfits while simultaneously protecting you from the sun.
How do you hope brands like Solbari inspire future generations to prioritise their health and well-being?
Before my melanoma diagnosis, the words “UPF clothing” brought to mind images of unstylish and oversized pieces that I honestly had no interest in.
By bringing trendy sun protective options to the table with a more modern style and fit, brands like Solbari are helping show future generations that you don’t need to change anything about your style to be protected. I hope that by these options gaining more attention, people of all ages are inspired to put their skin and their health first.
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF 50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
